Former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker on Monday became the first Republican to announce his intentions to run for Iowa's open Senate seat.

According to a release, Whitaker told the Simon Conway show on 1040 AM in Des Moines that he is taking the necessary steps toward a run and that he would formally announce his campaign on June 3.

Whitaker's announcement came three days after Rep. Steve King, the leading possible contender for the GOP Senate primary, announced he would not seek the Senate seat. King's decision opened the door for a handful of other ambitious Republicans interested in vying for the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin.
Other potential candidates include Secretary of State Matt Schultz, state Sen. Joni Ernst, former state Rep. Rod Roberts and David Young, chief of staff to Sen. Charles E. Grassley.

Rep. Bruce Braley has cleared the Democratic primary field and had gotten off to a $1 million fundraising start, as of March 31.